LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T Treadmill Review

  About Fred Waters

The  LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T treadmill fits squarely into the budget category  and is designed primarily for walkers.  People will buy it and jog on it, and it will probably hold up well for the majority of them; but the ideal customer is someone who wants to walk in the comfort of their home and who is not excessively overweight.

The LiveStrong Fitness brand is built by Johnson Inc., who also builds Vision Fitness and Horizon Fitness. It was a rather brilliant marketing ploy to work in conjunction with Lance Armstrong's charitable organization.   In exchange for using the "LiveStrong Fitness" brand name, Johnson got the product endorsement of Lance Armstrong and agreed to donate a set amount of money towards the LiveStrong Cancer foundation. 

Note: The LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T treadmill typically sells for $799 with free inside delivery ($99 value). Go to www.LiveStrongFitness.com for the latest deal.*

The LiveStrong Fitness treadmills tend to be a hybrid of Vision and Horizon machines.  In speaking to a company representative, she told me that it was important to build high caliber treadmills that reflect the exceptional career of Lance Armstrong and his accomplishment, professionally and personally, with his charitable endeavors.

The LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T treadmill is their entry model.  It competes directly with other budget models from ProForm and NordicTrack. How does it compare?  Having been on the treadmill, it felt relatively stable for the price.  The deck does an adequate job absorbing shock, and the machine is fairly quiet. Some of the more important features you want out of your treadmill.

Regarding the rest of the features on the LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T treadmill:  They are fairly standard.  You get a 2.5 continuous duty hp motor.  The continuous duty designation is the horsepower that the motor can run at effortlessly.  This size motor is good for walkers and light joggers.

There is a 20" x 55" walking surface.  Many manufacturers define the length in terms of the treadbelt, which often means there is an inch of two that is covered with a shroud.  So the LS8.0T comes with a walking surface that is probably a couple of inches longer than most models in this price range.

The LS8.0T comes with speakers and MP3 input, aA feature that is becoming standard on most new treadmills.  The sound is adequate, however, having speakers built-in is preferable to running with headphones.   There is also a fan in the console, which is becoming another popular feature.

There are 9 workout programs, plus there is the LiveTrack Fitness Journal. You have the ability to store and monitor your progress on your treadmill over a daily, weekly, or monthly basis.

Our Review - LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T

If you are in the market for a fairly stable walking machine, the LiveStrong Fitness LS8.0T should be a consideration.  In talking to the company, they mentioned that they were taking some of the best features and components from their other brands to build the LiveStrong.  Of course, this a $799 treadmill with shipping.  So there has to be compromises in the components and the engineering.  This is not a heavy-duty running machine.  It is best used for moderate use by individuals of moderate weight.  Disregard the 300 lbs. suggested weight limit.  That is excessive.

That said, the LS8.0T is probably one of the better buys at $799.  It may lack some of the bells and whistles found on ProForm and NordicTrack treadmills, but it is potentially more durable.

Go to www.LiveStrongFitness.com to learn more.